State Gazette. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 8, No. 39, Ed. 1, Saturday, May 16, 1857 Page: 2 of 4
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DEMOCRATIC
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
I
M
AT
E
nniBWismm
UUll I Dll i lUii
I
WHICH COWERED .T WACO MAT 4ll tSST.
o
H
E. Goodrich T.
S. Anderson F. R.
Waco Texas Monday May 4th 1657.
It being the day appointed by the Uat State Convection at 10
o'clock A. M. the Convention met in the bniklinjr ot the Baptist
Church.
John Marshall of Travi? Chairman of the Deaaeeratie Central
Committee called the Convention to order and prayer tu offered by
the Rev. Dr. Wilks.
Oa motion of En. Clark of Travis M. D. Ectoe rf EoA
was chosen temporary President of th Convention prior to ita per-
manent organiratioa.
R. T. Brownrigg of Travis RoBtaT W. Eautet of Gaada
iupe and HeneY D. Patrick of Lees were appointed Secretaries
pro. tern.
The roll of Counties was then called when the following Delegate
appeared and took their seats in Convention :
DELiEGATES :
Anderson A. T Raiuey Matt. Dale. Geo. W. Furlow J. G.
Stewart A. Ward B T. Parker.
Austin Alfred Evans A. Applewhite
Bastkop George W. Jones.
Bell Joseph Dennis Henry Harris William Earl.
Bexar R. Howard L A. Ihnwhwt It. E. Clements A Super
viele T. X. Waui W. P. Graves H. F. Oswald J. Vaelder FrauK
E'n.
Bosque A. Nelson J. N. Maberry Temple Spivy T. C Ales
ander. -
Bowie C. C. Hawkins Ellis Johnston H. Pirkey.
Brazoria John A. Wharton Guy M. Bran S. W. Perkins
M. BL It IBIWB S. S. Perry C- C Millican John Adriauee
Brwn J D. Frown.
Bi.RLF.soN A. S. Farrenholt.
Caldwell William Kelly.
Calhoun William M. Co-k.
Cameron E. B. S arbnrough F. W. L.itham.
Cass Sealou Gray Ward Taylor R. J. Wari (J. C Preston
CaUSOU M. R Reagan A. J. Hood (E. Mallard Thomas J
Johnston Jo. Everett by proxy.)
Collin Sam Bogart J. W. Throckmorten.
CnL'tRADO JUM N. Dennis
CMAL Frank Lgan.
CR TELLE S. T. Clvmcr C. C. Sadlier N. Brown.
Dallas J. W. Uftbaer George Wilson Charles It. Pryor N
II. D..riiell E. C. McKci.zie W. W. Peak.
Di.Witt H. Mc. B. Pridgcn
Ei.i-ls Jo'i.i W. Berry.
Kl Vtm f V. Crosby (by A. J. Hamilton proxy.)
i.'d I M Hamhaas. YV. W McNeal.
FALLs-Jaii.es (.'raik P. C. Whitaker J. Stausbury; Willian
Kcagm. Thomas P- Aycock Thomas Williams James Wright K
llat.h 3. V. tJ.irtl. tt . I'atncK o. v. uiion.
Fannix J- T. Lyerly.
Fort Bend Gustave Cook
Freestone B. A. Philpot W. L. Moody John Kirner Job
Manning T. L..C. Means.
Fayette M. ! I'osey A. McDow William Dresdale Jon
Dancy
Galveston John Henry Brown R. K Hartley II Flake
GlLLKM'lE F. Egatl. H" F. Oswald.
Gonzales J. ft Gillespie.
Grayson James BL Clark.
Grimes J. Laure.ice Dixon.
GaudaLupe William Saffold R. W. Raiuey
D. Johnson T J Haley.
Harris I. W. Henderson. A-dibel Smith T
Lubbuck.
Harrison L. T. Wigfall. W. R. D. Ward.
Hays -J. C Watkins ft R. Jonns F. Kyle.
Hidaloo E. B. Scarborough F. W. Latham.
Hill J. M. Stcinor P. H. Shelton G. R. Hart L. W. Cato.
Hopkins Janus E. Hopkins. W. T. Blythe.
Houston W. W. Davis.
Jack S P Rs.
J ckson F W White George R Billups.
Jasper Z W Eddy It C Doom B W Powell.
Jo aom C C A'esander.
Kaufman (Dallas county Delegation as proxy.)
Lamar Jason Wilson E C Shelron.
Lampasas; G W Scott A B Burleson.
LEO(j Jr Rjirkley. John P Border Hoary D Patrick.
Liberty' T J Chambers Kendallis Bryan.
Limestone John Boyd Aaron Perry John Bmnett II B Banks
William Cleveland.
Live Oak F Britton.
McLennan H B Cranberry Din McLain Theo. Blind William
Eichelberger Price St ndifer G lee J A McMurry Joseph Nichols.
William Grimes J J Riddle J H Boweu A Smith W E Oaks Wui
McKerall George E Burney B F Richie.
Madison P W Kittrell.
Mataookda 1 N IHmuis.
Medina C Upson.
Milam K P Gould.
Montgomery II M Jones Win B Wood B M Powell.
Nacogdoches W B Ochiltree Levi Taylor.
Navarro -G W Hill B J C Hill J Armstrong J T Lee.
Newton (Z W Eddy proxy.)
Nieces J C McCowan Dr. Luckett Forbes Britton.
Oranue (K Bryan proxy.)
Pai.o Pint John C L"we.
J'anola -S Holland W W McCartney.
ParKi.k 1 0 N -rtoii John II Prince.
I'.o.K Jubu S Cleveland.
Red Kiver ruhn C Burks.
Reeluio F Btittutt.
Roberts.. n John T Voting John II Feeney.
HiK.-J.hii McCbrtaey Win M Rose M D Ector.
Sabine (F B Sexton proxy)
San Au-iUsriNE F B Sexton John C Berry.
San Patricio P N Luckett F Britton.
Sheeny A McLemore.
Smith Vo..teu George W Chilton II B Chilton.
Starr H.rd. .-. T r.
Tarrant C Butane A Fowler Nat Terry btephen Trry J B
Wallace.
Titus S II Pirkey. w
Travis A J Hamilton G W Paschal W S Oldhani John Mar-
Bhall N Merrill. A G Weir l. ul.
Tyler John H M -ffette.
VicroRi J E Sutton J A Stewart Wo- R Scurry.
Walker J A S-.ither. C J Keenan H W Fisher. II Randolph
W Johnston T E B .wdv. J N Roundtrce.
Washington -J B R -bertson Thomas B Hays R W Hargiove.
John D Rogers S V Pipkin J Uucaster B H Davis B II Bassett.
W A Dallas.
Webb H P Bee T H Dryer.
Whxrto.n I N Dennis W J Phillips.
Williamson J R b rth Levi Peuuington James Armstrong L
Orl John J StubbleDeld
Wmid J onathan BeH.
yi;X(S p It- Charles K Birnard 253.
The following counties were not represented viz: Angelina Co-
manche Coke Denton G diad Hende'son Hunt Jefferson Karne.
A'..- Livaoa Llm. . MCutnh Munrrirk J'rcsf.io San Saba.
Tr nity Upshur Uvalde Van Zaudt Wise. ToUl 21. Those in
italL-s are not organized.
William B. Ochiltree of Nacogdoches and P. W Kittrell of 3Iad-
ison were loudly cheered upon presentation of iheir credentials.
On motion of Geo W. Paschml it was Besoloed That the Conven-
tion proceed to the election of a President four Vice Presidents three
Secretaries and two Sergeants at-Arms as permanent officers of 'he
Convention and that the basis of voting be tlie b is'w of representation
adt.pt ed at the last State Convention each county voting through one
representative rica vot-t.
Nominations for President being in order Geo. W. Chilton nominated
A G. Weir ot Travis ; S. Holland noiniuated M. D. Ector of Rusk ;
Tbos. D. Jvhnson nominated T. N. Waul of Bexar; M. B. Pose
nominated John Marshall of Travis ; and R. K. Hartley nominated
C J. Keenan of Walker.
T. N. Waul John Marshall and C. J. Keenan withdrew their
names from nomination.
The Convention then proceeded to vote whereupon it appearing that
Adolphus G. Weir had recieved the largest number of votes cast he
was declared tue choice ot tne Lonenuor. ior rresiaeni auu came io-
ward and took the Chair.
ML D. Ector of Rusk S. Holland of Panola Sam. Bogart of Csl
Jin and J. W. Dancy of Fayette were severally chosen Vice Presi-
dents by acclamation.
0-i motion the acting Secretaries were re-appointed.
A. B Burleson and Thomas P. Ochiltree were elected Sergeante-at-Ar:ns
by acclamation.
0 i moti n of Ashb?l Smith it wa
R-toleed That a committee of one from each Judicial District b(
aopointad to be styled a Committee on Platform and Resolutions which
shall report a Platform and to which shall be referred such resolu-
tions as may be offered for the consideration and action of the Conven-
tion. On motion of I. A Paschal it was
Rpjoloeil That a committeee of seven b- appointed to pass upon
credentials of Delegates claiming seats in the Convention. -
Oi motion of Jonathan Resell the Rales of the House of Repre-
senutires were adopted so far as applicable for the government of the
Convention. -
The ftiowoiioa ttea adjourned until 3 o clock P. Jtt-
3 O'CLOCK P
The Convention met quorum present.
The President annouaced the following as the committee on PL
form and Resolutions;
Ashbe! Smith .if Harris Chairman; A. J. Hamilton of Travis. J.
B. Robertson of Washington T. N Waul of Bexar W. B. Ochil-
tree of Nacr.gdocl.es Lewis T. Wigfall of Harrison John A. Wh:r-
ton of Brazoris S. H. Pirkey of Bowie George W. Cbi!ton of
Smith Wm. R. Scurry of Victoria F. W. Latham of Cameron T.
A Dwyer of Webb J. M. Steiner of Hill Forbes Britton of Nu
ece John II. Moffatt of Tyler Nat. Terry of Tarrant A. B Burle-
son of Larup.i-a.s and C. Upson of Medina.
And thr following as the committee on Credentials :
I. A- Pascba'. of Bexar Chairman; If. D. Ector of Rusk T.
S. Anderson of Harris George W. Jones of Bastrop J. W. Lati-
mer of Dalla-. Joh . Marshall of Travis and S. Holland of Pai. !:.
A letter was received directed to the President of the Convention
from sundry Democr"s of Goliad county requesting that the Victoria
Delegate ! should c:i.n the vote of their county in the Convert on
referred to the committee on Credentials.
On motion of It. E. Clements it was
Bemtved That W. F. Weeks be requested to report the proceed
ings of the Convention and that the SergeanLs-at-Arms apportion the
seats in the buildicrr to the respective Delegation? and thac -when to
.pportionrd the rame chall be occupied permanently by each Deie-
On motion of George W. Chilton the Convention adjourned until
9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
tives. until tne ;uuce
which has saved th
dominion of the Bank
mu ofceiie-;-! internal
Tuesday Morning May 5th 187.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment quorum present
pray r b the Rev. Mr. Collier.
J. G. Stewart of Anderson offered the following resolutions:
Remdved That the early completion of tlie Pacinc Railroad is the
irreat enterprise of the day; an enterprise containing elements within
itself susceptible of uniting every tibre of our Union into one insepa-
rable body. A subject on which the far-sighted statesman of every
j olitical faith can act together and being such the Democracy cor
1 ally recommend that the General Government render the neeessarj
ssi-tance to secure ifs early completion as the great National object
f the day.
Retoioetl Th:it inasmuch ;.s there ia a difference of opinion as to
he expediency and pr ipriety of that clause of the Constitution which
prohibits Bulking and Internal Improvements aided by the State;
nd as all power is vested in the people in order that they ma
iave an opportunity to Still this vexed question themselves the De-
mocracy recommend to Hie next Legislature of Texas the propriety ot
(resenting a resolution to the people in the manner designated by the
'oiistiiuiion in order that the eople may either re-affirm or reject
-aid clause as they see proper.
A. J. Hood ot Cherokee moved the indefinite postponement oi
h. resolutions.
After considerable debate upon the question the mover of the res
liutiun requested Mr. Hood to withdraw his motion in order th t he
night move to lay the resolution-on the table; and Mr. Hood con-
futing the resolutions were laid on the table by a large vote.
Thf committee on Platform and Resolutions through their Chair-
nnn Ashbcl Smith made the following reports:
lour committee to which was reterred sundry resolutions concern-
ng pledges to be given by the candidates who shall come before this
Jouvention to abide its decision and by the members of toe Conven-
ion to support its nominees in the ensuing canvass beg leave to report
oack to the Convention the following resolutions and recommend
heir adoption :
SnUoed That this Convention will support no person as a nomi-
iee for any office or place of trust unless fully satisfied by his acts
and declarations or the assurance of his friends in this Convention
that he is fully united with the Democratic party upon all the issues
now existing between it and its opponents and that such nominee will
abide the decision of this Convention and support ail of its nomina-
tions with zeal and fervency.
Jiis .Iced That we pledge ourselves to each other and the Conven-
tion to support the nominees of this Convention.
On motion of Nat. Terry the resolutions were taken up au J adopted
unanimously.
Your committee to which was assigned the duty of preparing the
projet of a Platform of the Democratic Party of this State beg leave
to report:
The cardinal doctrines of the Democratic party as recognized every
where throughout the United States are fully and distinctly set forth
in their Platform as promulgated by the Convention which assembled
in Cincinnati on the 5th day of June 1856. Your committee have
re-affirmed the principles embodied in that Platform and have sub
mitted the same as a portion of this report. Believing that these
universally admitted principles constitute a Platform of political doc-
trines long enough broad enough strong enough and explicit enough
for every Democrat and every good citizen to stand upon your com-
mittee have abstained from introducing any new matters of doubtful
authority. They have therefore eschewed embodying in their Plat-
form any opinion on questions of State policy. Your committee be
lieves that on most questions of State policy there may be differences
of opinion without any difference of opinion on the fundamental and
immutable principles of the Democratic party: That tha decision ot
questions of policy should be left to the people to be acted on by them
through the State" Legislature as their judgment and cirenmst .nces
may determine.
Inasmuch cs the Virginia and Kentucky R solutions and Mr. Mad-
ison's report thereon have been referred to in the Cincinnati Platform
as of Bound d trine and binding authority oi the Ddiiiocratic party
your committee has appended the said resolutions and the portion ol
the repoo: pertinent to the matters in question to the Platform now
uomitted. For the more clear and full exposition and declaration
f the doctrines held by the D mocratic party in Texas on the subject
.f slavery and the rights of th-? Southern States in the Territories
rmrr committee has reported in the Platform now submitted the reso-
ution adopted by the Democratic Convention at Austin in January
1S56.
As the subjects embraced in the other article of the Platform pro
nlgated by the Democratic Convention held at Austin in 1856 are
ully provided for in the general Platform herewith submitted it has
tot been deemed by the committee necessary t reiterate them in
eparate articles. All of which is respectfully submitted.
Rfnlrel. That the Democratic party of the State of Texas hear ih
.incur in and unanimously reaffirm the principles of the Democratic
party of the Union and the Constitution as embodied in the Platform
thp-Xati.oial Democratic Convention held in Cincinnati in Juno
156. ..s a true expression of their political faith and opinion believing
hem to embrace the only doctrines which can preserve tne integrity
if the Fni.in and the eaual risrhts of the States.
In pursuance wh rot the Cincinnati Platform the Virginia and
Kentucky Res luti bs and portions of Mr. Madison's Report are beret
inpended and made pirt of fins Platform.
I'nd. That the citizens of the Southern States ha' e the indefeasjhl
ight to carry their Slaves into anv territory bJongmg to the Unite.
states and there to exer-ise and enj..y all the rights of ownership am;
property as 'reely and as fully as in the State from which the e ui-jrate
m.l tha't any interference with or obstruction to the enjoyment am'
xereise of their rights as Southern Citizens by the Government nl
.he United States or by the inhabitant of any Territory would be i
violation of the rights of the Southern States which they p ssess as
Sovereign States aud co-equal members of the American Cmfederacy
Tiao Doxuocratlc aSTa-tioxxal Platronu
R talced. That the American Democracy place their truot in the in
elligencc the patriotism and the disciminating justice of the Ameri
au people. .
Rrstdvil That we regard this as a distinctive feature of our politic;
creed which we are proud to maintain before the world usa ureal imr
lenient in a form of g vernment springing from ami upheld by h
popular will and we contrast it with the creed and practice o'. Federal
ism under whatever name or form which seeks to palsy the Ul ot the
constituent and which conceives no imposture too monstrous for the
popular credulity. '
Reokel therefore Th.it entertaining these views the Democratic
party of this Union through their delegates assembled in a general
onvention coming together in a spirit of concord of devotion to the
loctrines and faith of a free representative governmen and appealing
to their fellow-citizens for the rectitude of their intentions renew and
reassert before the American people the declarations of principles
avowed by them when on former occasions in general convention they
have presented their candidates for the popular suffrages
1. That the Federal Government is one of limited power derived
solely from the Constitution and the grants of power made therein
ought to be strictly construed by all the departments and agents of the
Governments and" that it is inexpedient and dangerous to exercise
doubtful constitutional powers.
2. That the Constitution does not confer upon the General Govern
uent the jwwer to commence and carry on'a general system of internal
improvements.
3. That the Constitution does not confer authority upon theledera!
overnment directly or indirectly to assume the debts of the several
States contracted for local and internal improvements or other State
purposes nor would such assumption be just or expedient.
4. That justice and sound policy forbiu the Federal Government to
foster one branch of industry to the detriment of another or to cher-
ish the in e ests of one portion to the injury of another portion of ou
omuion country; that every citizen and every section of the Country
ias a right to demand and insist upon an equality of rights and priv
ileges and a complete and ample protection of persons and property
from domestic violence and foreign aggression.
5. That it is the duty of every branch of the Government to enforce
ind practice the most rigid economy in conducting our publio affairs.
.iud that no more revenue ought to be raised than is required to defray
the necessary expenses of the Government and for gradual bat certain
extinction of the public debt.
6. That the proceeds of the public lands ought to be sacredly
ipplied to the national objects specified in the Constitution and that
we are opposed to any law for the distribution of inch proceeds among
. c- .. t:t. ;...j;nri tn mKn and rer.U2T.aat to
tue oiaie". io a':in: lucAucui. ... ha r - --j- c
stitutiou. . - i u . k.
7 That Congress bna no power to charter a National Bank Ut
we ! eKere such an institution one of deadly hostility to tne best in-
terests of this country dangerous to our republican institutions andtne
liberties of the people and caculated to place the business of the coun-
try within the control of a concentrated money power and above tne
bun and will of the people ; and the result; of Democratic .egiilatio.i
in this and all other financial measures upon which wsuea hw been
made between the two political parties of fcheeowttry. have demonstrated
to candid and practical men of all parties their soundness safety ami
utility in H business pursuits.
? "That the ssparetion of the moneys of the Government from uan
ing .institutions is indispensable to the safety of the funds ol the Gov-
crnment and the rights of the people
0. That we are decidedly opposed to toe taking from th si resident
the qualified Veto power by which he is enabled under restrictions and
responsibilities amplv sufficient to guard the public interests to BUS-
r.-nd the pss-aw ot a Dill wnose merit- canuo -ck rr'
. . - r S .T .. 11 k..!wMi rf.l f liO .n.u-p-
:.-. thirds of the Senate and nouseoi iwprcse
tnent of the people can be obtained thereon a
American people from the corrupt and tyrannic
of the United States and from a corrupting sy
improvements. .-
10 That the liberal principles emh .died by Jefferson in the Declar-
ation of Independence and sanctioned by the Const tution which makes
ours the land of liberty and the asylum of the oppressed of every na-
tion have ever been cardinal principles in the Democratic faith ; and
every attempt to abridge the privileges of becoming citizens and tlie
owners of soil among us ought to be resisted with the same spirit winch
swept the alien and sedition laws from our statute books.
And wliereeu. Since the foregoing declaration was wniformly adopted
by our predecessors in National Convention an adverse political and
religious sect has been secretly organized by a party churning to be ex-
clusively Americans and it is proper that the American Democracy
. - i . - . Ta wl .. ifa i-rtifirininnr
shoulddeariy define its relations tnercw ; ".
opposition to" all secret political societies by whatever name th. y may
be called. . .
Raoltxd That the foundation of this Union oi Mates tuning been
laid in and its prosperity expansion and pre-eminent example in free
'overnment hunt upon entire ireeuom m ui.o. -g .j-- -
" -. j f r r..-rr in rr-.rsini to rank or place ct birth no
mem auu no icsjicli - y .."- --p .
nartvean justly be deemed uational constitutional or m accordance with
American principles wnicn oases us eioiuwo u.".- rr--eligious
opinions and accidental birth-place. And hence a political
crusade in the nineteenth century and in the United States ot America
.gainst Catholics or foreign-born is neither justified by the past history
r the future prospects of the country nor in unison with the spirit ol
r.deta.ion and untangled free iom which peculiarly distinguishes the
American system of popular Government.
Rexdved That we reiterate with renewed energy of purpose tne
well considered declarations of former conventions upon the sectional
issue of domestic slavery and concerning the reserved rights of the
1. That Congress has no pawer ander the Constitution to interfere
iritli or control the domestic institution ol the several States and that
11 such States are the sole and proper judges of everything appertain-
ing to their own affairs not prohibited by the Constitution ; and all ef-
..... .. .! iL.i;h..ni'cia r nthprs made to Induce Coneress tointertcre
lOI US U. 1.11. .1 WU11HVH..JW w - .
with questions of slavery or to take incipient steps m relation theret ..
are calculated to lead to the most alarming and dangerous consequences
and that all such efforts have an inevitable tendency to dimmish the
happiness of the people and endanger the stability and permanency oi
the Union and ought not to be countenanced by any friend of our po-
litical institutions.
1. That theforegoing proposition covers and was intended toembract
the whole subject of slavery agitation in Congress and therefore th.
Democratic party of tne Union' standing on this national platform will
abide by and adhere to a faithful execution of the acts known as the
compromise measures settled by the Congress of 1S50 ; '.he act foi
reclaiming fugitives from service or labor included ;' which actsbein;.
designed to carry out an express provision of the Constitution cannot
with fidelity thereto be repealed or so changed as to destroy or impair
its efficiency. .
3. That the Democratic party win resisi.au aneuijHo luncmn- ...
r...rrOC r.r not. nf it. the agitation of the slavery question underwhat-
ever shape or color the attempt may be made.
4 That the Democratic party win laiuuuny auiuc u uu ujji.u.u .
principles laid down in the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions of
170K and in the report of Mr. Madison to the Virginia Legisla-
ture in 1799 that it adopts those principles as constituting one of fhe
main foundations of its political creed aud is resolved to carry them
out in their obvious meaning and import.
And that we may more distinctly meet the iasaaoa wfach a sectional
mrty subsisting exclusively on slavery agitation now relics to test the
fidelity of the people North and South to the Constitution and the
Retained That claiming fellowship with and desiring the co-operation
of all who regard the preservation of the Union under the Constitution
as the paramount issue and repudiating all sectional parties and plat-
forms concerning domestic slavery which seek to embroil the States
and incite to treason and armed resistance to law in the territories and
whose avowed purpose if consummated must end in civil war and dis-
union the American Democracy recognize and ad..pt the principles
contained in the organic laws establishing the territories of Nebrasbi
md Kansas as embodying the only sound and sate solution of the slave
ry question upon w'.ich the ereat national idea of the people of this
whole country can repose in its determined conservatism ot the Onion
md no i-interference by Congress with slavery in the territories or in
the District of Columbia. '
2 That this was the basii of the compromises of iSDU confirmed
by "both the Democrat and Whig partiosin National Conventions rati
ied by the people in the election of 1852 and r ghtly applied to the
organization of territories in 1854.
3. That by the uniform application of this democr tic principle to
the organization of territories and the admission of new States with w
without domestic slavery ns they may elect the equal rights of all tin
States will be preserved intact the original compacts ot the C n-titu
tion maim ined inviolate and the perpetuity and expansion . f the Union
insured to its umost capacity of embracing in peace and harmony ev-
ry future American State thi't may be constituted or annexed w:th a
republican form of government.
R& ol ceil That we recognize the right of the people of all the ter-
ritories including Kansas and Nebraska acting through the legal!
md faiily expressed will of tho majority of actual residents ind whn-
ver the number of their inhabitants justifies it to form a constitution
with or without domestic slavery and to be admitted into the Union
up.m terms of perfect equality with the other States.
Resolrcd fiualti. That in view ot the condition of the popular in-
stitutions in the old world (and the dangerous tendencies of sectional
agitation combined with an at'empt to enforce civil and religious disa-
oiiitieB against the rights of acquiring and eujoying citizenship in our
.wii land) a high and sacred duty has devolved with increased respon-
sibility upon the Democratic party of the Union to uphold and main-
iin the lights of every State and thereby the union of the States
nd to sustain and advance among us constitutional liberty bycontinu
is to resist all monopolies and exclusive legislation for the benefit of a
ew at the expense of the many and by a vigilant and constant adher-
me to those principles and compromises of the Constitution which
are br. ad en .ugh ano strong enough to embrace and uphold the Union
.s it was the Union as it is aud the Union as it shall be in the full
..xpanvion of the energies and capacity of this great progressive pe .pie
1 Rexnlred That there are questions connected with the foreign
..olicy of this country which are inferior to no domestic question what
ver. The tin c has come for the people of the United States to de-
lare themselves in favor of freeseas and progressive free trade through
ut the world and by solemn manifestations in place their moral io-
aeneeat the side of their successful example.
1. Be aived That our geographical and political position with refcr-
ice to the other States of this continent no less than the interest of
jur-ommerceand the development of our growing power requires thai
we should hold sacred the principles involved in the Monroe doctrine
their bearing and import admit of no misconstiuction and should b
applied with rigidity.
3. Resolved That the great highway which nature as well as th.
assent of States most immediately interested in its maintenance has
marked out for a free communication between the Atlantic am
ihe Pacific oceans constitutes one of the most important achievement
realised by the spirit of modern times and the unconquerable energj
.f our people. That result should be secured by a timely and efficieul
exertion of the control which we have the right to claim over it anu
no power on earth should be suffered to impede or clog its progress b;
any interference with the relations it may suit our policy to establish be-
tween our government and the governments of the States within whose
dominions it lies ; we can under no circumstances surrender car pre-
ponderance in the adjustment of all questions arising out of it
4. Rexolved That in view of so commanding an interest the people
the United States cannot but sympathize with the efforts which arc be-
ing made by the people of Central America to regenerate that portion
of this continent which covers the passage icross the Isthmus
5. Rejoiced Tha' the Democratic party will expect of the next ad-
ninistratioo that every proper effort be made to insure our ascendancy
u the Gulf of Mexico and to maintain permanent protection to the
Teat outlets through which are emptied into its waters the products
raised out of tie soil and the commodities created by the industry of
the people of our western valleys and the Union at large.
Sexxtxiolajr n.ool.tiOxxs or X7Q8.
THE OUIGISAL DRAUGHT PREPARED BY THOMAS JEFFEBSOX.j
t o li TUn tha .-.rrral SfRtes comDosins the United States
of Antenna are not united on the principle of unlimited submission
. .l: ni daMiMit! Km that bv coratjict under the style
HI mcir uDucia. yj .... - - . - -
and title of a Constitution for the United btites.and of amendments
.i . . .u- ..ritaJ . r;nr:J frovernment for snecial nurnses.
delegated to that Government certain definite powers reserving each
j. .." -. :..i .u -JirT. moj of riirht to their own selt Erovern-
OlUie lO ItSCO l"C im.uu.j - r r-
. j .u. n-'af.f.rtliPr'nl trovernment assu nes unde -
mem auu uui u.uavw.. .. .-
egated powers its acts are unauthoritative void and of no force ; that
; . r-T;"UtoiuD were a confidence in the man of our cm c to .
the Con- t this o:nPactech State acceded as a State ana as .u-; r-. ; - wttr n.llts ; tht c.nnue.o.
t v th-; this Government created by tr. a con.pe. - u- ---. - deDt;?;il . tree ejvernment is ion. . .. .- . .
rT" S.hc estent of the rowers delegated to itself Parea1 ol u - Dresenbes limited eowstitatton to btnd d - '.
Z'ZoMh iudLcretion U not the f .ptitution confcuence a U p - t ;;tf onr c.
since that w.uld ha ma de ofher rf eonpact who.n we -. - '-J- whiebl-and no further- t !
the measure J'tL KACH PARTY HAS AN ; accordingly - u t " rea :e A : tnd .
a; oa narties .'laving no Cyinmon juujt. a wiri i (IP nurm' "nd i- tne 'i-ei -" - ..
KQUA RIGHT TO JUDGE FOR ITSLLF. AS LLL O uy cun!itUu:.hs not been wm m hzing the 1
VPRAHTFOXS. AS THE MODE AND MEASURE Ol Kb J - reateiand whether we should be ww in .Je -
1i:;. That the Constitution of the W-JJ-
delegated to Congress a power to puniah treason u'
purities and cuvicnt cub of the United 8ts P
committed on the high seas and offences against the ""S
and no other ciirnes whatever and it being true as a general pnuu
pie and one of the :.mendments -f the Constituuon b-j-gabo de
clared that "the powers not dekgateitoj theOmted Ses by the
Constitution nor prohibited by it to the States are "fi
States respectively; or to the People" therefore the said Act of Con
ross pd or the 14th day of July. 179? and entitled "An Act
addition to the Act entitled an Act 'for the pu iishmeut ot cer ta
crimes against the United States;" as also the Act pa. JjJJ
on the 7th day of June 1798 entitled "An Act to punish fraud
ommitted on the Bank of the United urates; auu -i. - ""
. .... iu rirnsr tnnn iuwe c..u-
snd
. . .1 . 1 r- '..---: '
which assume to create define oi punish crimes ocaer w -"
..... ... V iIIimi1 nt v.o force ant
nerated in tue UonsUtnuon 1 oreowyww "; . y . --
that the power to create uctine and punish other crimes is 'C9C-
.nd of right appertains solely and exclusively to the respective States
each within its own territory. . . . .. .
Resolved That it is true as a general principle auu
111.
that
Mirarn '
w . . . a :... r.. imt'iTliiiicn' 1-. II I! h' iii.t
.1 I- T 1 I . hi ! t l '.U fciv .. - w -- - -- -
t nose linns itri j m c i
which the men of our choice hare conterrcd on tm- Premdeni
President of our choice has assented U una accepted over t he I
' .. i-.ild SDint Oi oui ei-uini . ...iu k.- I...
and that the men of o".r c'
i -
strangers to whom t!
pledged hospitality and protection ; and Mat tne xueno our
more respected the bare suspicions of tlie I resident than the solid rtg
of innocence the cbims nl lutification. the sacred force of truth a.;
e ...i .hBM ot law and justice. I.i ou-stions of r w -
'tie rorma auu -u-- . .
then let no more be said of confidence in man out brad bun d wg
from' mischief by the chains of the constitution. That this i '
wealth does therefore call oa its co-States tor as eaprewien i f ll
sentiments on the acts concerning aliens and Ifor the puni-i :..
certain crimes bereinfore specifieu plainly deehuiag whethef :.
Mts an or are not authorized by the federal compact. And it rf
not that 'hnr arms rB A as announced n t prwac CacsV attmekmnt
to limited government vh.ther general or fartkular end that th
rinktt and lOertiei tlen- co-Stata wiB ieezaeanlto -. dargm
. .1 . 1 .k.i..iin
i j.-i j i t tcoM.cn.t.npnts to tne uonnuiuwwi
exiire.-nv uccuucu v j..v; i
all powers not prohibited by it to the States arc reserved to the
States respectively or to the people;" and that no power over tne
freedom of religion freedom of speech or freedom of the press beiag
delegated to the United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by-
it to the States all lawful powers respecting the same did of right re-
: ..a .. o--.l A- Steto. nrto'the Peonlfl I that thus was
lilvtl li ell IV ll'lw J t.X-1 VV -" V"V wm. v w-- x. .
manifested their determination to retain to themselves the ngh ot
judging how far the licentiousness of speech and of the press may be
abridged without lessening their usual freedom and how far those
abuses which cannot be separated from their use should be toierateu
rather than the use be destroyed; and thus- also they guarded against
all abridgement by the United States of the freedom of religious
principles and exercises and retained to themselves the right ot pro-
tecting the same as this stated by a law passedon the general demand
of its citizen:- had alreadv protected them from all human restraint or
interference; and that in addition to this general principle and ex-
press declaration another and more special provision has been made by
me of the amendments t ihe Constitution which expressly declares
that "Congress shall make no laws respecting an establishment of re-
ligion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or of the press" there-
by guarding in the same sentence and under the same words the
freedom of religion of speech and of the press insomuch thai what-
ever violates either throws down the sauctuary which covers the others :
tod that libels falsehood and defamation' equally with heresy and
.alse religion one witheld from the cognizance of Federal tribu-
nals. That therefore the Act of Coneress of the United States pass-
ed the 14th of July 1798 entitled "An Act in addition to au Act
entitled an Act for the punishment of certain crimes against the Uni-
ted States" which docs abridge the freedom of the press is not law
hut is altogether void and f no effect.
IV. Resolced That alien friends are under the jurisdiction and
protection of the laws of the State wherein they are ; that no power
over then has been delegated to the United States wor prohibited to
the individual States distinct from their power over citizens; aud it
being true as a general principle and one of the amendments to the
Constitution having also declared that "the powers not delegated to
'ue United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the
States are reserved to the Staies respectively or to the People" the
Vet of the Congress of the United States passed the 22d day of
luue 179.S entitled "An Act concerning Aliens'' which assumes
i .wer ov :r alien friends not delegated by the Constitution is not law
out is altogether void and o:? no force
V. Resolv d Ttiat in addition to the general principle as well as
the express declaration that powers not delegated are reserved anoth-
er aud more spe. ial provision inserted in the Constitution from abun-
dant caution has declared that "the migration or importation of such
persons as any of the States niw existing shall think proper to ad-
mit shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the ye.r 1S08."
That t! is Commonwealth doesadn.U the migration of alien friends
describing as the subject of the said Act concerning Aliens; that a
provision against prohibiting their migration is a provision against a!
acts equivalent thereto or it would be nugatory ; and that to remove
them when migrated is equivalent to a prohibition of their migra-
tion ami is therefore contrary to the said provision of the Constitution
and void.
VI. Resolveil That the imprisonment of a person under the pro-
tectiou of the laws of this Commonwealth on his failure to obey the
-imple older ot the President to depart out of the United States as is
undertaken by said Act entitled "An Act concerning Aliens" is on
irary to the Constitution one amendment in which has provided
tha' "no person shall be deprived of liberty without due course ot
;iw;" and that another having provide.! that "in a 1 criminal pr..se
utions the accused sha'l enjoy the light to public trial by an impir
rial jury to be informed as t the nature and cause of the acquisition.
to be confronted with the witnessess agaiast him to have compu!-or
process of ibtaining witnesses in hi- favor and to lm-e assistance o
co msel for h's le"eu;e t e sa ne A:t unde t king to stutbori e the
i're-ident to remove a person out oi the United States who is unde.
the prote. tion of the law on his o n suspicion without jury with
ut public tri.I without conformation of the witnesses against him
without having witnesses in his favor without defence without coun-
sel is contrary to those provisions also of the Constitution is there
ore not law but utterly void and of no force. That transfering tin
power of judging any person who is under the protection of the laws
Tom the courts to the P esident of the United States as is undert.
Sen by the same Act concerning Aliens is agi'inat the Article of tin
Constitution which provides that "the Judicial power of the Unitec
states shall be vested in the courts one judges of which shall hoi
i heir office during euod behavior" and that the said Aot is void fo
hat reason alone; and it is further to be noted that this transfer o
judiciary power is to that magistrate of the General Government wh
ilready po-sesses all the executive and a qualified negative in all tin
legislative power.
VII. Resolved That the construction applied by the General Gov-
ernment (as is evinced by sundry of the proceedings) to those parts of
the Constitution of the United States which delegate to Congress
power to lay and collect taxes t- pay the debts and to provide foi the
common d fence and general welfare of the United States and to
make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into
execution the powers vested by the Constitution in the Government
of the United States or any department thereof goes to the destruc-
tion of all limits prescribed to their power by the Constitution. That
words meant b) that instrument to be ; subsidiary only to the execu-
tion of the li uited powers ought not to be so construed as themselves
to trive unlimited powers nor a part to be so taken as to destroy the
re.-idue of the instrument. That the proceedings of the General Gov-
ernment under color of those articles will be a fit and necessary sub
ject for revisal and correction at a time of great tranquility while
those specified in the preceding resolutions call for inmmediate re
dress.
VIII. Revived That the preceding resolutions be transmitted t
the Senators and Repre-entativcs in Congress from this Comm m-
wealth who are enjoined to present the same to their respective
Houses and to use their best endeavors to procure at the next session
i' Congress a repeal of the aforesaid unconstitutional and obuoxious
ct.
IX. Rnohed lastly That the Governor of this Commonwealth
be and he is hereby authorized and requited tocommunicate the prtce-
iiuir resolutions to the Legislatures of the several States to assure
hem that this Co nmonwealth considers union for special natiomi
purposes and p:.rti. ularly for those specified in their late federal coo-
;;.ct to be friendly t .the peace haj pine-s and pr-perty of all th
States; that faithful in that compact according to ih? plain intent and
ueaning in which it was understood and acceded to by the several pap-
ties it is sincerely anxious for its preservation ; that i does also be
ieve that to fake from the States all tl e powers of self-govern nent
without regard to the special delegations and reservations solemnly
.greed to m th.it compact is not tor the peace happiness or prosperi-
ty of these St tes ; and that therefore this Commonwealth is detei
ined as it doubts not its co States are not tamely to submit to
mddeyutrd and consequently vnlimitfil p .wers in no man or bo-
'.1 "J m'n "" ra'rAf that if the act before specified should stand
these conclusion- would flow from thcro: that the General Govern-
ment may place any ict they think proper on the list of crimen and.
puni.-h it themselves whither enumerated or not enumerated by the
-otistitution as cegnizable by them ; that they miy transfer its cogni-
zance to the President or auy other pers u wio may hints If be the
accuser counsel ju iga and jury whose suspicions may be the evi-
dence his order sentence his officer the excutioner and his breast the
sole record of the transaction; that a very numerous aud valuable des-
cription of the inhabitants of these States being by this precedent re-
duces as outlaws to the absolute dominion of one man and barriers of
the constitution thus swept from u all no rampart now remains
against the passions and poeis of a majority of Congress to protect
from a like exportation or )ther grevious puniihment the minority of
the same body the Legislatures Governors Judges and Counsellors
.f the States nor the other peaceable inhabitants who may venture
o reclaim the constitutional rights and liberties of the States and peo-
ple or who for other causes good or bid nay be obnoxious to the
vitw or marked by the su-picions of the President or be thought dan-
serous to his or their elections or other interests public or personal
i hat the friendless Alien has been se.ectod as the safest object of a first
exp riment : but the citizens will socn follow or rather has already
foUowed for already has a Sedition Aot marked him as a prey ; that
these and succe-sive acts of the sama character unlemt arretted on
hf threshold may tend to drive these States into revolution and to
blood and will furnish new calu nnies agaiaat republican governments
md njw pretexts for those who wUh it to be believed that men can-
not be governed but by a rod of iron ; that it would be a dangerous
by remaining
embark-d on a tomasoa Dn.m well thn'
but the- will eamem cith jam
CvmntontceaJth in consulerina th
laid act as so palpably against tne Consntut.on as to a
undismtised declaration that th compact is aot an
meamrt of the General Government but tnat it icul jm
ecercise over tkete States oj all power wmmm
this as sizing the rights of the Stata and to
Ihe hands of the General Government with th
i.'.ryi
rng
vioviit tt an
meant to be. tl
oc-ea m
irj(L .' " .... .
eereite over these Stat.; oj au power mam '"'? "
' Oiist'f ui'uut'j in rit j
thi YrtJ-' 1ei'-'.iJ
the. hands of the. rai uvi .-... --- -"-x- . -
bind the States not merely m vases made Jed- nt WwaI ....
;iii(tr 'i"' ICIta weir ".iaei uv.i vy
thai this would be to surrender the firm .'
whatsoever fta Arte
..... thai rrmsflrlt 1
Z-Li me htnw chosen and live under and deriving Hm pew
iywti. nin v -
-
c
c
... j r ... .T.r)..rii:i una '-ioz "o-.ram. --
jm its own iviti ana jrvm u l..o - ----- - .
. . . i -f.. ' .. utit in a a e tnieval. vil- ...
urringto ttitit natural i y ' -'-? . "-
ur in declaring these acts void andoj no .force and uilleo.
with this Commonwealth m reauesmo meer r .....-... --
sion of Congress.
VIRGINIA
misor-xjxioisrs
OF 179c.
DRAWS CP BY JAMES MADISO.N.J
In the Virginia House of Delegatts.
Friday Dec. 21 1796.
Resolved That the General Assembly of Virginia doth unequivo-
cally evpre-s a firm resolution to maintain and defend the tonstitutior.
of the United States aud the Constitution of the State against every
aggression either foreign or domestic; and that they will support the
Government of the United States iu all measures warranted by :e
former. ... i
That this Assembly most solemnly declares a warm attachment to
the Union of the States to maintain which it pledges its powers ; and
that for this end it is their duty to watch over and oppose every in-
fraction of those principles which constitute the only basis ot tha
Union because the faithful observance of them can alone secure an
existence and the public happiness.
That this Assembly doth explicitly and peremptorily declare that it
views the powers of the Federal Government as resulting from the
eompact to which the States are parties as limited by th-i phun KM
and intention of the instrument constituting that compact as no far-
ther valid ttian they are authorized by the grants en u.nerated n thai
compact ; and that in case ot a deliberate palpable and danger use;
ercise of oter powers not granted by the said earnpart the States
wi.ich art parties thereto have the right and are in duty amend to in-
terpose for arresting the progress of the evil and b.r amnrtanuap
within their respective limits the authorities right.- and lib rti ap
pertaining to them.
That the General Assembly doth also express its deep regret thai
a spirit has in sundry instances been mauiie-ted by tha federal Gov-
ernment to enlarge its a .vers by foneed emstraetions of rl
tutional charter which defines them and that indicating
peared of a design to expound certain general ph:irsr.- (whiefa bavin
bocn copied from n very lunitcit trrant ot powers in tt.e ioncer .-r.
t Confederation were tne less fiaDie to be misconstruit-.i.;
tie
o I-.
lestrey th. meaning and effect of the particular enumeiatn.n wiiea
ueeeasarily expLtiv and limits the go.ieral pnra-es and mi as t . --!-idate
the States by degrees into one soveringty ihe obvi :is te: I i
ind inevitable resuJt of w.'iieh would be to transform the psese .t .i
publican System of the United States into an absiute or at b st
lixed Monarchy.
V PORTION OF Mu. MADISON'S RETORT RELATIVE TO
THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE VIRGINIA GENERAL AS-
SEMBLY OF 1798 CONCERNING THE ALIEN AW) SE
DITION LAWS.
Whatever room might b" found in the pr iceelincs of some of tho
-tates who have disapproved of the resolutions of the General Aecib'y
f this Commonwealth passed on the 21st day of December 1793 tor
ninful re.narks on the spirit and manner of tbuee proeeediog-' it
ppears to th? onniUee n-et consistent with the duty as web as
lignity of the General Asse ubK' to hasten an oblivion of every cir-
u nstaoce which might be construed into a diminution of oiutu-
1 respect confidence and a fleet ion among the members of the Uaiua
The Committee have dee ued it a more useful tusk to revise with
. critical eye the resolutions which ha-e met with thi- disapprobat-
ion ; to examine ful y tho several objections and arguments
vh'oh have appeared against them; and to enquire whether there
06 any errors of fact of principle or of reasoning which the candor ol
he general assembly ought to a. -knowledge and correct.
The first of the n solutions is in the words following:
Resolved That the General Assembly of Virginia doth unegmin-
ally express n firm resolution to maintain and defend the. Coustltu-
ion of the United States and the Constitution of this Sti'te ayaiiisi
very aggression either foreign or domestic and that they will support
'he Government of the United States in all measures tear ranted by the
firmer.
No unfavorable comment can have been made on the sentiments
here expressed. To maintain and defend the Constitution of the
United States and of their own State against every aggression both
foreign and domestic and to support the government of the United
States in all measures warranted by their Constitution are duties
whijh the General Assembly ought always to feel and to whhh on
such an occasiou it was evidently proper to express their sincere and
firm adherence. In their next resolution. The General Assembly
most solemnly declares a icarm attachment to the Union of the States
to maintain which it pledges all its powers ; and that for this end i:
U their duty to watch over and oppose every infraction of those princi-
ples which constitute the only basis of that Union because a faithful
observance of them can a lone secure its existence and the public happi-
ness. The observation just made is equally applicable to this solemn
declaration of warm attachment to tho Union and this solemn pledge
to maintain it ; nor can any question arise among enlightened friends
f the Union as to the duty of watching over and opposing every in-
fraction of those principles which constitute its basis and a faithful
observance of which can alone secure its existence and the public hap-
piness thereon depending.
The third resolution is in the words following :
Ttiat this Assembly doth explicitly and prr-emp'orily declare thai
t views the powers of the federal government as resulting from the c;m
pact to which the States are parties as limited by the plain sense ind
intention of tlie instrument constituting that compact; as noftrthsr
valid than they are author izeil by the grants enumerated in that com-
pact; and that in case of a deliberate palpable and dangerous exer-
cise of other powers not granted by the said compact the Slates wh
are parties the.relo have the right and are in duty bound to interpose
for arresting the progress of the evil and for maintaining wiUi in their
respective omits the authorities rights and liberties appertaining t:
shews.
On this r solution the Committee have bestowed all the attention
which its i nportance merits. They have scanned it not merely w.th a
strict but with a severe eye; and they feel confidence in pronouncing that
in its jut nd fair construction it is unexceptionably trie in it- several
positions as well as eoustttntioaa and couclu-dve in its inference.
The resolution declares fret that "it view- the poaresH ol the .t-.ier-al
government as resulting frern the compact ti which the States arc
pirties" in other words that the federal powurs are de rwd r . i ...
constitute n and that the constitution is :i eoanp tel to wo
are parties.
Clear as ti e position must s-.;n that the federal powers ire ! riv -
C. l . .1 .: : l - ... .. ..
iiooi ne j Miiiiuioo. ami ir .1 mm a: ns lie column .e'j -."
unppaised o a ! te doctrin; w'ni;'-. opens an Ahei sourj
powers not less exteam :::id imp'-rUut than i -
peeled.
Tho examination of this doctrine will bo
. -.i e 1-- moot convenient!; connec
ted with a review of a ivceedin" rex tn rr-.
. ... . a -Solution. The commit:
themselves here with briefly ro!ur- . .
J . . ingthat in i;!! the cotemp r r . -
cussions and comments w.-.i. i 1 .- . '
. . -c 1 lCn tne Constitution anderwem it was
constantly justified ;u r . - 1 j .
"3 J. J rcco.iimeiid.:Jl on the gmnuJ. that the i- wars
notgi.en to tho govern;uent were withheld from it; and that U anv
-louot cou.u have exlKted ()Q thu guoject) uner the or;.r;.a! -evt
tne Lonstitatio.i. it is removed as far as words could remove it. by
the i.th amendment now a p-rt of the Constitutive wnich opr
ftealares "that the f owei-s not delegated to the United State- bv tne
Constitution nr prohibited by it tu the States am- reserved u. tao
Mates renpectively or to the people "
The other position involved n this branch of the resolution namely
'that tha S.un in ptrttai t ti; J instituti 1 r nau:;" is 11
the judgement of the Committee equ illy free fro a ubjeoti.f It M
indeed true that the term "States" is sometimes ued in a -ague
sense and sometimes in different senses according to the su'jeot to
which it is applied Thus it sometimes meacs the separate sections of
territory occupied by the p ilitical societies within each; soueti.aes
the paxticukr governments established by those societies; soJicdaioa
j
new a
11 i
i- .
: II
awwn
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Oldham, W. S. & Marshall, John. State Gazette. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 8, No. 39, Ed. 1, Saturday, May 16, 1857, newspaper, May 16, 1857; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth81296/m1/2/: accessed May 21, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.